CRAIG Short believes Notts County are ready for their first league game of the season against Huddersfield Town in ten days, after facing their toughest pre-season test against Sheffield United at Meadow Lane last night.

The Magpies lost 1-0 to the Blades, with the visitors' substitute striker Ched Evans scoring on 88 minutes.

It is only their second defeat of an impressive pre-season in which they have drawn 0-0 with Premier League Stoke City and beaten Cardiff City 2-1.

Short said: "It was our biggest test and we found it hard. There was not the same level of energy or dynamism in the team and we weren't closing them down and pressing them.

"It's a credit to them because they looked fit, sharp and organised. It was our third game in six days but I told the players not to use that as an excuse.

"It would have been nice to draw but I think they deserved to beat us.

"We stood up to them for a long time in the game before they scored but I was still a bit disappointed with how we defended set-pieces."

Short believes the three games against teams from a higher level will stand the Magpies in good stead.

"I'm glad they are all over now. They were three tough games and we can look forward to the first game of the season now," he said.

"I've been pleased with the attitude of the players. They are an honest bunch."

Striker Lee Hughes limped off on 77 minutes with a twisted ankle but it is not though to be serious.